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We’re part way through December and the holiday season is truly upon us, all the store fronts are decorated, the malls are pumping Christmas music and Hanukkah begins tomorrow! The thing about December is that it’s easy to get overwhelmed, to commit to too many social engagements or get too many presents for people you don’t really know that well!

As you know I’m a big fan of essentialism and I’ll be treating this holiday season exactly the same. My recommendation would be to think of the one thing you want to do before January (I know, really just one thing!) and put all your focus into that.

You don’t have to forget about everything else, but keep your number one priority in mind. Here are some example priorities and how to make the most out of them:

To spend more time with family – Holidays are meant to be about family, but we can sometimes end up spending more time making awkward small talk with your cousin’s neighbor than with your actual family. Politely decline invitations from the people you don’t really need to see and instead make a plan to hang out with your kids or your parents – even if it’s just staying on the sofa and watching Christmas movies.Read more

https://listproducer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cinnamon-stars-2991174_1280.jpg7631280Paula Rizzohttps://listproducer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ListproducerLogo.pngPaula Rizzo2017-12-10 13:05:402017-12-10 13:05:40The One Priority You Should Be Focusing On

As you probably know I’m a productivity nerd, as well as an organizational nerd. I love finding new stationery stores or new ways to organize my life. However what you might not know is that I’m also a total gift giving nerd. Taking the time to really research and find the best gift for people is a hobby of mine. It’s partly why I start my Christmas shopping in August.

Finding the right gift for someone, at the right price, is no easy feat. The more presents I buy the more determined I am to find something that would be really meaningful to that person. Resources like Amazon wish lists and gift cards can make gift giving easier, but I feel like they take away a personal aspect of the process.Read more

I get that we are all busy people and money is always tight around this time of year, but there is nothing I hate more than people who ring you one week before Christmas and say “Sorry we – insert excuse here – so maybe we just shouldn’t exchange gifts this year.” As though Christmas somehow managed to take them by surprise despite being an annual holiday.

I know most people don’t buy their Christmas presents quite as early as me, but the majority have them sorted by the week before and a last minute cancellation can really throw them off.

Be considerate of others this Christmas and follow this checklist:

Have the ‘Christmas’ talk – If you’re going to spend your time finding the perfect present for someone, it’s important to make sure they actually want it.

Now’s the time to drop your friends and family a quick text to find out “Are we doing presents this year?” Read more

https://listproducer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ListproducerLogo.png00Paula Rizzohttps://listproducer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ListproducerLogo.pngPaula Rizzo2015-11-02 06:00:022015-11-01 15:18:03Don't Be A Scrooge This Christmas With This Checklist

You probably have at least one person in your life who always seems to be on top of things. They’re always prepared for meetings, they never forget your birthday…you know the type. Not to brag – but my friends say this about me. So what’s our secret?

The truth is we don’t have an endless memory, we just know where to get the right facts. I can’t help myself — I’m a journalist after all. Read more

A few days ago my parents called me in the middle of the day at work and told me that my mom had to be taken to the hospital. She got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, blacked out and fell and hit her head badly. Eeek! I talked to her and she was fine but being admitted for all kinds of tests. So I wanted to be there with her. I left work and went home to pack an overnight bag and froze.

I couldn’t think of anything that I needed – and I should’ve known that I needed all the essentials. You know — pajamas, an outfit for the next day, toiletries, etc. But I couldn’t think of anything. When something like this happens your mind is thinking a hundred different things. It catches you off guard and your not able to think as rationally. Read more